This application is a National Phase Patent Application and claims priority to and the benefit of International Application Number PCT/JP2013/084875, filed on Dec. 26, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Embodiments discussed in the present specification relate to a paper conveying apparatus, jam determining method, and computer program, more particularly relates to a paper conveying apparatus, jam determining method, and computer program determining whether a jam has occurred based on a sound generated by a paper during conveyance of the paper.
In a paper conveying apparatus of an image reading apparatus, image copying apparatus, etc., sometimes a jam occurs when the paper moves along the conveyance path. In general, a paper conveying apparatus is provided with the function of determining whether a jam has occurred by a paper being conveyed to a predetermined position inside the conveyance path within a predetermined time from the start of conveyance of the paper and of stopping the operation of the apparatus when a jam has occurred.
On the other hand, if a jam occurs, a large sound is generated in the conveyance path, so the paper conveying apparatus can determine whether a jam has occurred based on the sound which is generated on the conveyance path and thereby detect the occurrence of a jam without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined time.
A jam detection device of a copier which converts a sound which is generated on a conveyance path to an electrical signal and determines that a jam has occurred when the time during which a reference level is exceeded exceeds a reference value has been disclosed (PLT 1).
PLT 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 57-169767
For example, when a plastic card or thick paper is conveyed, that card or thick paper sometimes strikes the conveyance path generating a loud sound and causing mistaken determining of a jam despite no jam having occurred.
An object of the paper conveying apparatus, jam determining method, and computer program is to suppress mistaken determining of the occurrence of a jam.
The paper conveying apparatus according to an embodiment includes a conveyor mechanism, a sound signal generator for generating a sound signal corresponding to a sound generated by a paper during conveyance of the paper, a sound jam detector for determining whether a jam has occurred based on the sound signal, and a control module for stopping conveyance of a paper when the sound jam detector determines that a jam has occurred. The control module controls so that the sound jam detector determines whether a jam has occurred at a predetermined timing by a determining method different from a determining method at other timings, or so that the sound jam detector does not determine whether a jam has occurred, when a card or thick paper is conveyed by the conveyance mechanism.
The jam detection method according to an embodiment includes acquiring a sound signal corresponding to a sound which generated by a paper during conveyance of the paper, determining, by a computer, whether a jam has occurred based on the sound signal, and stopping conveyance of a paper when determining that a jam has occurred. The computer controls so that the computer determines whether a jam has occurred at a predetermined timing by a determining method different from a determining method at other timings, or so that the computer does not determine whether a jam has occurred, when a card or thick paper is conveyed by a conveyance mechanism, in the stopping step.
The computer program for a computer according to an embodiment causes the computer to execute a process, the process includes acquiring a sound signal corresponding to a sound generated by a paper during conveyance of the paper, determining whether a jam has occurred based on the sound signal, and stopping conveyance of the paper when determining that a jam has occurred. The computer controls so that the computer determines whether a jam has occurred at a predetermined timing by a determining method different from a determining method at other timings, or so that the computer does not determine whether a jam has occurred, when a card or thick paper is conveyed by a conveyance mechanism, in the stopping step.
According to the present invention, when a card or thick paper is conveyed by a conveyance mechanism, control is performed so as to determine whether a jam has occurred at a predetermined timing by a determining method different from a determining method at other timings or so as not to determine whether a jam has occurred. Therefore, it becomes possible to suppress mistaken determining of the occurrence of a jam due to the sound generated when a card or thick paper strikes a conveyance path.
The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
Hereinafter, a paper conveying apparatus, jam detection method, and computer program according to an embodiment, will be described with reference to the drawings. However, note that the technical scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments and extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.
The paper conveying apparatus 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a paper tray 103, an ejection tray 105, an operation button 106, etc. in the paper conveying apparatus 100, the conveyed paper is, for example, a document.
The lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102 are formed by plastic material. The upper housing 102 is arranged at a position which covers the top surface of the paper conveying apparatus 100 and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by hinges so as to be able to be opened and closed at the time of a paper jam, at the time of cleaning of the inside of the paper conveying apparatus 100, etc.
The paper tray 103 is engaged with the lower housing 101 in a manner enabling a paper to be placed. The paper tray 103 is provided with side guides 104a and 104b which can be moved in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the paper, that is, to the left and right directions from the conveyance direction of the paper. By positioning the side guides 104a and 104b to match with the width of the paper, it is possible to limit the width direction of the paper.
The ejection tray 105 is engaged with the lower housing 101 by hinges so as to be able to pivot in the direction which is shown by an arrow mark A1. In the opened state as shown in
The operation button 106 is arranged on the surface of the upper housing 102. If pushed, it generates and outputs an operation detection signal.
The conveyance route at the inside of the paper conveying apparatus 100 has a first paper detector 110, a paper feed roller 111, a retard roller 112, a first microphone 113a, a second microphone 113b, a second paper detector 114, an ultrasonic transmitter 115a, an ultrasonic receiver 115b, a first conveyor roller 116, a first driven roller 117, a third paper detector 118, a first image capture module 119a, a second image capture module 119b, a second conveyor roller 120, a second driven roller 121, etc.
The top surface of the lower housing 101 forms the lower guide 107a of the conveyance path of the paper, while the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms the upper guide 107b of the conveyance path of the paper. In
The first paper detector 110 has a contact detection sensor which is arranged at an upstream side of the paper feed roller 111 and the retard roller 112 and detects if a paper is placed on the paper tray 103. The first paper detector 110 generates and outputs a first paper detection signal which changes in signal value between a state in which a paper is placed on the paper tray 103 and a state in which one is not placed.
The first microphone 113a and the second microphone 113b are respectively provided near the paper conveyance path, detect the sound generated by a paper during conveyance of the paper, and generate analog signals corresponding to the detected sounds. The first microphone 113a and the second microphone 113b are arranged fastened to an arm 108 inside of the upper housing 102 at the downstream side of the paper feed roller 111 and retard roller 112. The first microphone 113a is provided near the side wall of the conveyance path provided at one end in the direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction, while the second microphone 113b is provided near the side wall of the conveyance path provided at the other end in the direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction. To enable the sound generated by a paper during conveyance to be more accurately detected by the first microphone 113a, a hole 109a is provided at a position of the upper guide 107b facing the first microphone 113a. Similarly, to enable the sound generated by a paper during conveyance to be more accurately detected by the second microphone 113b, a hole 109b is provided at a position of the upper guide 107b facing the second microphone 113b. Below, the first microphone 113a and the second microphone 113b will sometimes be referred to all together as the “microphones 113”.
The second paper detector 114 has a contact detection sensor which is arranged at a downstream side of the paper feed roller 111 and the retard roller 112 and at an upstream side of the first conveyor roller 116 and first driven roller 117 and detects if there is a paper present at that position. The second paper detector 114 generates and outputs a second paper detection signal which changes in signal value between a state at which there is a paper at that position and a state where there is no paper there. The second paper detector 114 is an example of a position detection signal generator for detecting a position of the paper and generating a position detection signal. The second paper detection signal is an example of the position detection signal.
The ultrasonic transmitter 115a and the ultrasonic receiver 115b are an example of an ultrasonic detector, and are arranged near the conveyance path of the paper so as to face each other across the conveyance path. The ultrasonic transmitter 115a transmits an ultrasonic wave. On the other hand, the ultrasonic receiver 115b detects an ultrasonic wave which is transmitted by the ultrasonic transmitter 115a and passes through the paper or papers, and generates and outputs an ultrasonic signal comprised of an electrical signal corresponding to the detected ultrasonic wave. Below, the ultrasonic transmitter 115a and the ultrasonic receiver 115b will sometimes be referred to altogether as the “ultrasonic sensor 115”.
The third paper detector 118 has a contact detection sensor which is arranged at a downstream side of the first conveyor roller 116 and the first driven roller 117 and an upstream side of the first image capture module 119a and the second image capture module 119b and detects if there is a paper at that position. The third paper detector 118 generates and outputs a third paper detection signal which changes in signal value between a state where there is a paper at that position and a state were there is no such paper there. The third paper detector 114 is an example of a position detection signal generator for detecting a position of the paper and generating a position detection signal. The third paper detection signal is an example of the position detection signal.
The first image capture module 119a has a CIS (contact image sensor) of an equal magnification optical system type which is provided with an image capture element using CMOS's (complementary metal oxide semiconductors) which are arranged in a line in the main scan direction. This CIS reads the back surface of the paper and generates and outputs an analog image signal. Similarly, the second image capture module 119b has a CIS of an equal magnification optical system type which is provided with an image capture element using CMOS's which are arranged in a line in the main scan direction. This CIS reads the front surface of the paper and generates and outputs an analog image signal. Note that, it is also possible to arrange only one of the first image capture module 119a and the second image capture module 119b and read only one surface of the paper. Further, instead of a CIS, it is also possible to utilize an image capturing sensor of a reduced magnification optical system type using CCD's (charge coupled devices). Below, the first image capture module 119a and the second image capture module 119b will sometimes be referred to overall as the “image capture modules 119”.
A paper which is placed on the paper tray 103 is conveyed between the lower guide 107a and the upper guide 107b toward the paper conveyance direction A2 by rotation of the paper feed roller 111 in the direction of the arrow mark A3 of
A paper is fed between the first conveyor roller 116 and the first driven roller 117 while being guided by the lower guide 107a and the upper guide 107b. The paper is sent between the first image capture module 119a and the second image capture module 119b by the first conveyor roller 116 rotating in the direction of the arrow mark A5 of
The paper conveying apparatus 100, in addition to the above-mentioned configuration, further has a first image A/D converter 140a, a second image A/D converter 140b, a first sound signal generator 141a, a second sound signal generator 141b, a drive module 145, an interface 146, a storage module 147, a central processing unit 150, etc.
The first image A/D converter 140a converts an analog image signal which is output from the first image capture module 119a from an analog to digital format to generate digital image data which it then outputs to the central processing unit 150. Similarly, the second image A/D converter 140h converts the analog image signal which is output from the second image capture module 119b from an analog to digital format to generate digital image data which it then outputs to the central processing unit 150. Below, these digital image data will be referred to as the “read image”.
The first sound signal generator 141a includes a first microphone 113a, first filter 142a, first amplifier 143a, first sound A/D converter 144a, etc. The first filter 142a applies a bandpass filter passing a signal of a predetermined frequency band to an analog signal output from the first microphone 113a and outputs it to the first amplifier 143a. The first amplifier 143a amplifies the signal output from the first filter 142a by a predetermined amplification rate and outputs it to the first sound A/D converter 144a. The first sound A/D converter 144a converts the analog signal output from the first amplifier 143a to a digital signal and outputs it to the central processing unit 150. Below, the signal which the first sound signal generator 141a generates and outputs will be referred to as the “first sound signal”.
Note that, the first sound signal generator 141a is not limited to this. The first sound signal generator 141a may include only the first microphone 113a, and the first filter 142a, first amplifier 143a, and first sound A/D converter 144a may be provided outside of the first sound signal generator 141a. Further, the first sound signal generator 141a may include only the first microphone 113a and first filter 142a or may include only the first microphone 113a, first filter 142a, and first amplifier 143a.
The second sound signal generator 141b includes a second microphone 113b, second filter 142b, second amplifier 143b, second sound A/D converter 144h, etc. The second filter 142b applies a bandpass filter passing a signal of a predetermined frequency band to an analog signal output from the second microphone 113b and outputs it to the second amplifier 143b. The second amplifier 143b amplifies the signal output from the second filter 142b by a predetermined amplification rate and outputs it to the second sound A/D converter 144b. The second sound A/D converter 144b outputs an analog signal output from the second amplifier 143b to a digital second sound signal and outputs it to the central processing unit 150. Below, the signal which the second sound signal generator 141b generates and outputs will be referred to as the “second sound signal”.
Note that, the second sound signal generator 141b is not limited to this. The second sound signal generator 141b may include only the second microphone 113b, and the second filter 142b, the second amplifier 143b, and the second sound A/D converter 144b may be provided outside of the second sound signal generator 141b. Further, the second sound signal generator 141b may include only the second microphone 113b and the second filter 142b or may include only the second microphone 113b, second filter 142b, and second amplifier 143b.
The drive module 145 includes one or more motors and uses control signals from the central processing unit 150 to rotate the paper feed roller 111, the retard roller 112, the first conveyor roller 116, and the second conveyor roller 120 and operate to convey a paper.
The interface 146 for example, a USB or other serial bus-based interface circuit and electrically connects with a not shown information processing apparatus (for example, personal computer, portable data terminal, etc.) to send and receive a read image and various types of information. Further, it is also possible to connect a flash memory etc., to the interface 146 so as to store the read image.
The storage module 147 has a RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), or other memory device, a hard disk or other fixed disk device, or flexible disk, optical disk, or other portable storage device. Further, the storage module 147 stores a computer program, database, tables, etc., which are used in various processing of the paper conveying apparatus 100. The computer program may be installed on the storage module 147 from a computer-readable, non-transitory medium such as a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk read only memory (DVD-ROM), or the like by using a well-known setup program or the like. Furthermore, the storage module 147 stores the read image.
The central processing unit 150 is provided with a CPU (central processing unit) and operates based on a program which is stored in advance in the storage module 147. Note that, the central processing unit 150 may also be comprised of a DSP (digital signal processor), LSI (large scale integrated circuit), ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), FPGA (field-programming gate array), etc.
The central processing unit 150 is connected to the operation button 106, first paper detector 110, second paper detector 114, ultrasonic sensor 115, third paper detector 118, first image capture module 119a, second image capture module 119b, first image A/D converter 140a, second image A/D converter 140h, sound signal generator 141, drive module 145, interface 146, and storage module 147 and controls these modules.
The central processing unit 150 control a drive operation of the drive module 145, control a paper read operation of the image capture module 119, etc., to acquire a read image. Further, the central processing unit 150 has a control module 151, an image generator 152, a sound jam detector 153, a position jam detector 154, a multifeed detector 155, a paper thickness detector 156, a paper determining module 157, etc. These modules are functional modules which are realized by software which operate on a processor. Note that, these modules may be comprised of respectively independent integrated circuits, a microprocessor, firmware, etc.
Below, referring to the flow chart which is shown in
First, the central processing unit 150 stands by until a user pushes the operation button 106 and an operation detection signal is received from the operation button 106 (step S101).
Next, the central processing unit 150 determines whether the paper tray 103 has a paper placed on it based on the first paper detection signal which was received from the first paper detector 110 (step S102).
If the paper tray 103 does not have a paper placed on it, the central processing unit 150 returns the processing to step 3101 and stands by until newly receiving an operation detection signal from the operation button 106.
On the other hand, when the paper tray 103 has a paper placed on it, the central processing unit 150 drives the drive module 145 to rotate the paper feed roller 111, retard roller 112, first conveyor roller 116, and second conveyor roller 120 and convey the paper (step S103).
Next, the control module 151 determines whether an abnormality flag is ON or not (step S104). This abnormality flag is set OFF at the time of startup of the paper conveying apparatus 100 and is set ON if a later explained abnormality detection processing determines that an abnormality has occurred.
When the abnormality flag is ON, the control module 151, as an abnormal processing, stops the drive module 145 to stop the conveyance of the paper, uses a not shown speaker, LED (light emitting diode), etc. to notify the user of the occurrence of an abnormality, sets the abnormality flag OFF (step S105), and ends the series of steps.
On the other hand, when the abnormality flag is not ON, the image generator 152 makes the first image capture module 119a and the second image capture module 119b read the conveyed paper and acquires the read image through the first image A/D converter 140a and the second image A/D converter 140b (step S106).
Next, the central processing unit 150 transmits the acquired read image through the interface 146 to a not shown information processing apparatus (step S107). Note that, when not connected to an information processing apparatus, the central processing unit 150 stores the acquired read image in the storage module 147.
Next, the central processing unit 150 determines whether the paper tray 103 has a paper remaining thereon based on the first paper detection signal which was received from the first paper detector 110 (step S108).
When the paper tray 103 has a paper remaining thereon, the central processing unit 150 returns the processing to step S103 and repeats the processing of steps S103 to S108. On the other hand, when the paper tray 103 does not have any paper remaining thereon, the central processing unit 150 ends the series of processing.
The flow of operation which is explained below is executed based on a program which is stored in advance in the storage module 147 mainly by the central processing unit 150 in cooperation with the elements of the paper conveying apparatus 100.
First, the sound jam detector 153 executes sound jam detection processing (step S201). In the sound jam detection processing, the sound jam detector 153 determines whether a jam has occurred based on the first sound signal which was acquired from the first sound signal generator 141a and the second sound signal which was acquired from the second sound signal generator 141b. Below, sometimes a jam which is determined to exist by the sound jam detector 153 based on a first sound signal and a second sound signal will be called a “sound jam”. Details of the sound jam detection processing will be explained later.
Next, the position jam detector 154 performs position jam detection processing (step S202). In the position jam detection processing, the position jam detector 154 determines the occurrence of a jam based on the second paper detection signal which is acquired from the second paper detector 114 and the third paper detection signal which is acquired from the third paper detector 118. Below, sometimes a jam which is determined to exist by the position jam detector 154 based on the second paper detection signal and third paper detection signal will be called a “position jam”. Details of the position jam detection processing will be explained later.
Next, the multifeed detector 155 performs multifeed detection processing (step S203). In the multifeed detection processing, the multifeed detector 155 determines the occurrence of a multifeed of papers based on the ultrasonic signal which was acquired from the ultrasonic sensor 115. Details of the multifeed detection processing will be explained later.
Next, the control module 151 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the paper conveyance processing (step S204). The control module 151 determines that an abnormality has occurred if at least one of a sound jam, position jam, and paper multifeed has occurred. That is, it is determined that no abnormality has occurred when none of a sound jam, position jam, or paper multifeed has occurred.
The control module 151 sets the abnormality flag to ON (step S205) and ends the series of steps when an abnormality occurs in the paper conveyance processing. On the other hand, when no abnormality occurs in the paper conveyance processing, it ends the series of steps without particularly performing any further processing. Note that, the flow chart which is shown in
The upper guide 107b and the lower guide 107a are arranged bent, so if the card C is further gripped by the first conveyor roller 115 and the first driven roller 116 in the state gripped between the paper feed roller 111 and the retard roller 112, it deforms due to its elasticity. For this reason, as shown in
The sound jam detector 153 may mistakenly determine that a jam has occurred due to the above impact sound detected at a timing when the back end of the card C passes the paper feed roller 111 and retard roller 112 forming projecting parts of the paper conveyance path. Note that,
Note that, if the paper feed roller 111, retard roller 112, first conveyor roller 116, first driven roller 117, second conveyor roller 120, or the second driven roller 121 is formed by a plastic material, an impact sound may be generated when the front end of the card C contacts each roller.
As shown in
Note that the above sound generated when the front end or the back end of the card C passes a relief part of the paper conveyance path can be generated in the same way as a plastic card by other than a plastic card if highly rigid thick paper.
Below, referring to the flow chart shown in
First, the control module 151 sets the sound jam determining flag ON (step S301).
Next, the control module 151 stands by until the second paper detector 114 detects the front end of paper (step S302). The control module 151 determines that the front end of paper has been detected at the position of the second paper detector 114 when the value of the second paper detection signal from the second paper detector 114 changes to a value showing a state where there is no paper to a state where there is a paper.
Next, the control module 151 stores the time when the second paper detector 114 detects the front end of paper as the front end detection time in the storage module 147 (step S303).
Next, the paper thickness detector 156 detects the thickness of the conveyed paper based on the ultrasonic signal output from the ultrasonic sensor 115 (step S304). The paper conveying apparatus 100 stores in the storage module 147 the correspondence, measured by experiments in advance, of the thickness of the conveyed paper and the signal values of ultrasonic signals output from the ultrasonic sensor 115 when that paper is conveyed. The paper thickness detector 156 compares the signal value of the ultrasonic signal output from the ultrasonic sensor 115 with the correspondence relationship stored in the storage module 147 to detect the thickness of the conveyed paper.
Next, the paper determining module 157 determines whether the conveyed paper is a card or thick paper based on the thickness of the paper detected by the paper thickness detector 156 (step S305). The paper determining module 157 determines whether the conveyed paper is a card or thick paper by whether the thickness of the conveyed paper is a predetermined thickness or more. The predetermined thickness is set to a thickness (for example 0.15 mm) enabling a general plastic card (credit card, cash card, telephone card, etc.,) and PPC (plain paper copier) paper to be discriminated.
Next, the control module 151 does not perform any particular processing and ends the series of steps when the conveyed paper is not a card or thick paper. On the other hand, the control module 151 determines whether the current time is a predetermined timing when the conveyed paper is a card or thick paper (step S306). The control module 151 determines that the current time is a predetermined timing when a predetermined time elapses from the front end detection time stored in the storage module 147 at step S303. The predetermined time is determined in advance. The predetermined time includes at least one of the time from when the front end of a card or thick paper of substantially the same size as a credit card, cash card, or other card medium which is conveyed passes the second paper detector 114 until the front end or the back end passes relief parts of the paper conveyance path.
Credit cards, cash cards, and other card media are standardized in size by the JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) and have long sides of 85.6 cm and short sides of 54.0 cm. Cards of substantially the same size as these card media include train and bus passes, telephone cards, etc., which differ just slightly in size from credit cards, cash cards, etc.
Below, the predetermined time when the relief parts of the paper conveyance path are the paper feed roller 111 and the retard roller 112 will be explained. When a card medium is conveyed in the longitudinal direction, in the period from when the front end passes the second paper detector 114 until the back end passes the nip position of the paper feed roller 111 and the retard roller 112, it moves by exactly a length of the length of the long side minus the distance between the nip position and the second paper detector 114. Therefore, the predetermined time can be made a time having a predetermined duration centered about a value obtained by subtracting from the length of the long side of the card medium the distance between the nip position of the paper feed roller 111 and retard roller 112 and the second paper detector 114 and dividing the result by the conveyance speed. Considering the case where the card medium is conveyed in the short direction, the predetermined time may also include a time having a predetermined duration centered about a value obtained by subtracting from the length of the short side of the card medium the distance between the nip position of the paper feed roller 111 and retard roller 112 and the second paper detector 114 and dividing the result by the conveyance speed. The predetermined duration is set considering the occurrence of error in the timing for detecting the sound signal and can be made, for example, 100 msec in the case of a conveyance speed of 60 ppm.
Note that, the control module 151 may also determine that the current time is the predetermined timing when the current time is a time after the elapse of a predetermined time from the time when the central processing unit 150 drives the drive module 145 to start the rotation of the paper feed roller 111 and retard roller 112. At the point of time when starting the rotation of the paper feed roller 111 and retard roller 112, the front end of the card medium is positioned at the nip position. Therefore, the predetermined time can be made a time having a predetermined duration respectively centered about the value of the length of long side of the card medium divided by the conveyance speed and the value of the short side divided by the conveyance speed.
Alternatively, in the case where a plurality of sheets of paper are conveyed, for the second sheet of paper on, the control module 151 may also determine that the current time is a predetermined timing when the current time is a time after the elapse of a predetermined time from when the back end of paper conveyed immediately before is detected by the second paper detector 114.
Further, the control module 151 may also determine the predetermined timing based on the third paper detection signal from the third paper detector 118 instead of the second paper detection signal from the second paper detector 114.
Alternatively, the control module 151 may also determine the predetermined timing based on an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor 115. In this case, the control module 151 periodically acquires an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor 115 and determines that the front end of the paper has passes the ultrasonic sensor 115 when the signal value of the acquired ultrasonic signal changes from the predetermined threshold value or more to less than the predetermined threshold value. Further, the sound jam detector 153 determines that the current time is a predetermined timing when the current time is a time after the elapse of a predetermined time from when the front end of paper passes the ultrasonic sensor 115.
Next, the control module 151 sets the sound jam determining flag OFF when the current time is the predetermined timing (step S307) and sets the sound jam determining flag ON when the current time is not the predetermined timing (step S308).
Next, the control module 151 determines whether the image capture module 119 has finished reading the paper (step S309). The control module 151 returns the processing to step S306 and repeats the processing of steps S306 to S308 when the image capture module 119 has not finished reading the paper. On the other hand, the control module 151 ends the series of steps when the image capture module 119 finishes reading the paper.
Note that, when the sound jam determining flag is set OFF, in the later explained sound jam determining processing, the sound jam detector 153 does not determine whether a jam has occurred. Therefore, the control module 151 controls so as to set the sound jam determining flag OFF at a predetermined timing so that the sound jam detector 153 does not determine whether a jam has occurred when a card or thick paper has been conveyed.
Note that, it is also possible to omit the processing of step S305 and have the control module 151 set the sound jam determining flag OFF at a predetermined timing regardless of whether the conveyed paper is a card or thick paper. In this case, even if the conveyed paper is not a card or thick paper, sound jam determining is no longer performed at a predetermined timing, but the sound jam detector 153 can determine whether a jam has occurred based on a sound generated at another timing.
Further, when the control module 151 determines that the conveyed paper is a card or thick paper at step S305, it may proceed to step S307 where it sets the sound jam determining flag OFF. In this case, the control module 151 sets the sound jam determining flag OFF until the next sheet of paper is conveyed, that is, at all timings while a card or thick paper is being conveyed. Due to this, when a card or thick paper is being conveyed, it is possible to more reliably prevent sound from causing mistaken detection of occurrence of a jam.
The flow of operation which is shown in
First, the sound jam detector 153 determines whether the sound jam determining flag is ON (step S401).
When the sound jam determining flag is OFF, the sound jam detector 153 does not perform the sound jam determining but ends the series of steps. On the other hand, when the sound jam determining flag is ON, the sound jam detector 153 acquires the first sound signal from the first sound signal generator 141a and acquires the second sound signal from the second sound signal generator 141b (step S402).
Next, the sound jam detector 153 generates a first absolute value signal obtaining the absolute value of the first sound signal and a second absolute value signal obtaining the absolute value of the second sound signal (step S403).
Next, the sound jam detector 153 generates a first shape signal extracting the shape of the first absolute value signal and a second shape signal extracting the shape of the second absolute value signal (step S404). The sound jam detector 153 generates signals obtaining the peak holds of the first absolute value signal and the second absolute value signal as the first shape signal and the second shape signal respectively. The sound jam detector 153 holds the local maximum values of the absolute value signals for exactly a certain hold period then causes them to attenuate by a certain attenuation rate to thereby generate the shape signals.
Next, the sound jam detector 153 calculates a first counter value which is made to increase when the signal value of the first shape signal is the first threshold value Th1 or more and is made to decrease when it is less than the first threshold value Th1. Similarly, the sound jam detector 153 calculates a second counter value which is made to increase when the signal value of the second shape signal is the first threshold value Th1 or more and is made to decrease when it is less than the first threshold value Th1 (step S405).
That is, the first threshold value Th1 is a threshold value for comparing the first sound signal and the second sound signal. The sound jam detector 153 determines whether a jam has occurred based on results of comparison of the values of the first sound signal and the second sound signal, and the first threshold value Th1. Further, the first counter value and the second counter value are variables which are changed according to the values of the first sound signal and the second sound signal. The sound jam detector 153 determines whether a jam has occurred based on the first counter value and the second counter value.
The sound jam detector 153 determines whether the signal value of the first shape signal is the first threshold value Th1 or more every predetermined time interval (for example, sampling interval of sound signal). The sound jam detector 153 increments the first counter value when the signal value of the first shape signal is the first threshold value Th1 or more and decrements the first counter value when it is less than the first threshold value Th1. Similarly, the sound jam detector 153 determines whether the signal value of the second shape signal is the first threshold value Th1 or more every predetermined time interval. The sound jam detector 153 increments the second counter value when the signal value of the second shape signal is the first threshold value Th1 or more and decrements the second counter value when it is less than the first threshold value Th1.
Next, the sound jam detector 153 determines whether at least one of the first counter value or the second counter value is the second threshold value Th2 or more (step S406). The sound jam detector 153 determines that a sound jam has occurred whether at least one of the first counter value or the second counter value is the second threshold value Th2 or more (step S407). On the other hand, the sound jam detector 153 determines that a sound jam has not occurred when both of the first counter value and the second counter value are less than the second threshold value Th2 (step S408) and then ends the series of steps.
That is, the second threshold value Th2 is a threshold value for comparison with the number that the values of the first sound signal and the second sound signal are the first threshold value Th1 or more. The sound jam detector 153 determines whether a jam has occurred based on the results of comparison of the number that the values of the first sound signal and the second sound signal are the first threshold value Th1 or more and the second threshold value Th2.
In
Note that, at step S404, the sound jam detector 153 may calculate the signals extracting the envelopes of the first absolute value signal and the second absolute value signal instead of calculating the signals obtaining peak holds over the first absolute value signal and the second absolute value signal as the first shape signal and the second shape signal.
Below, the difference between when performing sound jam determining and when not performing sound jam determining, at the timing when the back end of the card passes the separator, will be explained.
In
At section 1203, the impact sound generated by the back end of the card causes the first absolute value signal 1201 to become larger and the signal value of the first shape signal 1202 to become the first threshold value Th1 or more. Therefore, at the section 1203, the first counter value 1211 continues to increase. At the time 19, it reaches the second threshold value Th2 or more whereby it is determined that a sound jam has occurred.
In
At the section 1303, due to the impact sound generated by the back end of the card, the first absolute value signal 1301 becomes larger. However, sound jam determining is not performed, so the first counter value 1311 continues to hold the value at the time of the time T7 and does not become the second threshold value Th2 or more, so it is determined that a sound jam has not occurred. Therefore, it is possible to keep the impact sound generated by the back end of the card from causing mistaken determining by sound of occurrence of a jam.
In this way, the control module 151 controls so as to hold the first counter value and the second counter value while the sound jam detector 153 does not determine whether a sound jam has occurred. Note that, the control module 151 may also control so as to reset the first counter value and the second counter value while the sound jam detector 153 is not determining whether a sound jam has occurred. In this case, the sound jam detector 153 resets the first counter value and the second counter value when the sound jam determining flag is OFF at step S401.
In
By holding the counter value while sound jam determining processing is not being performed, it is possible to detect a jam early after passing relief parts if a jam occurs when the front end or the back end of the card or thick paper passes relief parts of the conveyance path. On the other hand, by resetting the counter value while sound jam determining processing is not being performed, it is possible to keep down the effects of any noise etc., generated right before the front end or the back end of the card or thick paper passes relief parts of the conveyance path and suppress mistaken detection of a jam.
Note that, the control module 151 may perform control so that the sound jam detector 153 determines whether a jam has occurred at a timing when the front end or the back end of the card or thick paper passes relief parts of the conveyance path by a determining method different from a determining method at other timings.
For example, the control module 151 changes the first threshold value Th1 between the timing when the front end or the back end of the card or thick paper passes relief parts of the conveyance path and other timings. The control module 151 sets the first threshold value Th1 to a value larger than a value set at other timings instead of setting the sound jam determining flag OFF at step 3307 of
In
At the section 1403, the impact sound generated by the back end of the card causes the first absolute value signal 1401 and the first shape signal 1402 to become larger. However, the first threshold value Th1 also becomes larger, so the first counter value 1411 is repeatedly changed (increased or decreased) and will not become the second threshold value Th2 or more so it is determined that a sound jam has not occurred. Therefore, even when the back end of the card passes the separator, it is possible to determine whether a jam has occurred based on the sound while making it harder for it to be determined that a jam has occurred and possible to keep a jam from being mistakenly detected.
Further, the control module 151 can change the second threshold value Th2 between the timing when the front end or the back end of the card or thick paper passes relief parts of the conveyance path and other timings. The control module 151 sets the second threshold value Th2 at a value larger than a value at the other timings instead of setting the sound jam determining flag OFF at step S307 of
In
At the section 1403, the impact sound generated by the back end of the card causes the first absolute value signal 1401, the first shape signal 1402, and the first counter value 1421 to become larger. However, the second threshold value Th2 also becomes larger, so the first counter value 1421 does not become the second threshold value Th2 or more and it is determined that a sound jam has not occurred. Therefore, even when the back end of the card passes the separator, it is possible to determine whether a jam has occurred based on the sound while making it harder for it to be determined that a jam has occurred and possible to keep a jam from being mistakenly detected.
Further, the control module 151 may change the ratio of amplification or attenuation of the first sound signal and the second sound signal between the timing when the front end or the back end of the card or thick paper passes relief parts of the conveyance path and other timings. The control module 151 changes the amplification rate by which the first amplifier 143a and the second amplifier 143b amplify the signal instead of setting the sound jam determining flag OFF at step S307 of
In
At the section 1503, the back end of the card causes a large impact sound to be generated, but the amplification rate by the first amplifier 143a is made smaller, so the first absolute value signal 1501 and the first shape signal 1502 do not become large. For this reason, the first counter value 1511 does not become the second threshold value Th2 or more and it is determined that a sound jam has not occurred. Therefore, even when the back end of the card is passing the separator, it is possible to determine whether a jam has occurred based on the sound while making it harder for it to be determined that a jam has occurred and possible to keep a jam from being mistakenly detected.
The flow of operation which is shown in
First, the position jam detector 154 stands by until the front end of the paper is detected by the second paper detector 114 (step S501). The position jam detector 154 determines that the front end of the paper is detected at the position of the second paper detector 114, when the value of the second paper detection signal from the second paper detector 114 changes from a value which shows the state where there is no paper to a value which shows the state where there is one.
Next, when the second paper detector 114 detects the front end of a paper, the position jam detector 154 starts counting time (step S502).
Next, the position jam detector 154 determines whether the third paper detector 118 has detected the front end of the paper (step S503). The position jam detector 154 determines that the front end of the paper is detected at the position of the third paper detector 118, when the value of the third paper detection signal from the third paper detector 118 changes from a value which shows the state where there is no paper to a value which shows the state where there is one.
When the third paper detector 118 detects the front end of a paper, the position jam detector 154 determines that no position jam has occurred (step S504) and ends the series of steps.
On the other hand, if the third paper detector 118 detects the front end of the paper, the position jam detector 154 determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) has elapsed from the start of counting time (step S505). If a predetermined time has not elapsed, the position jam detector 154 returns to the processing of step S503 and again determines whether the third paper detector 118 has detected the front end of the paper. On the other hand, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the position jam detector 154 determines that position jam has occurred (step S506) and ends the series of steps. Note that, when position jam detection processing is not required in the paper conveying apparatus 100, this may be omitted.
Note that, when the central processing unit 150 detects that the front end of a paper is downstream of the first conveyor roller 116 and the first driven roller 117 by the third paper detection signal, it controls the drive module 145 to stop the rotation of the paper feed roller 111 and retard roller 112 so that the next paper is not fed. After that, when the central processing unit 150 detects the rear end of the paper downstream of the paper feed roller 111 and the retard roller 112 by the second paper detection signal, it again controls the drive module 145 to rotate the paper feed roller 111 and retard roller 112 and convey the next paper. Due to this, the central processing unit 150 prevents a plurality of papers from being superposed in the conveyance path. For this reason, the position jam detector 154 may start counting the time at the point of time when the central processing unit 150 controls the drive module 145 to rotate the paper feed roller 111 and the retard roller 112 and determine that a position jam has occurred when the third paper detector 118 does not detect the front end of a paper within a predetermined time.
The flow of operation which is shown in
First, the multifeed detector 155 acquires an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor 115 (step S501).
Next, the multifeed detector 155 determines whether the signal value of the acquired ultrasonic signal is less than the multifeed detection threshold value (step S502).
In the graph 1800 of
On the other hand, the solid line 1804 shows the characteristic of an ultrasonic signal in the case where just a single plastic card thicker than paper is being conveyed. When a card is being conveyed, the signal value of the ultrasonic signal becomes smaller than the multifeed determining threshold ThA, so the multifeed determining module 155 mistakenly determines that multifeed of paper has occurred. Note that, even when a sufficiently thick and highly rigid thick paper is conveyed, an ultrasonic signal having similar properties to the case where a plastic card is conveyed is detected, so the multifeed determining module 155 is liable to mistakenly determine that multifeed of paper has occurred.
The multifeed detector 155 determines that multifeed of the papers has occurred when the signal value of the ultrasonic signal is less than the multifeed detection threshold value (step S603), determines that multifeed of the papers has not occurred when the signal value of the ultrasonic signal is the multifeed detection threshold value or more (step S604), and ends the series of steps.
As explained in detail above, the paper conveying apparatus 100 is designed to operate in accordance with the flow charts shown in
In the example shown in
In the example shown in
In the example shown in
As explained in detail above, the paper conveying apparatus 100 can use means other than an ultrasonic sensor to detect the thickness of paper.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/JP2013/084875 | 12/26/2013 | WO | 00 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2015/097814 | 7/2/2015 | WO | A |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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